Fusion reckons a physical server can run more VMs as a result. It says the concept can even increase write I/O capabilities because networked storage arrays are less busy with read I/Os, the data being in server-located flash cache, and so have more write I/O capacity. That's a neat claim but not one that the disk drive-based storage array vendors will be enthusiastic about.

PCIe flash card entrant STEC introduced caching software with its Kronos PCIe flash cards in August and this is a generalised caching software product, not a VMware-integrated one like ioTurbine.

Fusion's ioCache bundle will be available in the fourth quarter for a suggested list price of $6,900 per physical server. Customers can use an ioDrive flash card if they need more than 600GB capacity. The ioTurbine software is available on its own for a $3,900 licence cost per physical server. You can't buy the ioCache flash card on its own. ®